Preferred Pipe Shape

[Sweet Home Alabama]

I am surprised that upon doing a search I didn't come across a thread which focused on shape preference related to pipe enjoyment and use. If I am not correct, please advise.

For whatever reason, I love the "author" shape. When I looked at old Kaywoodie catalogues from the '30's on, the "author" shape was pictured and listed, but not featured. I suspect it was not a popular shape.

Probably because of the way I like to hold a pipe in my palm, a rounded bowl is preferred. I will occasionally put two fingers over the opening. While I love my Freehand MM cob, it's rather tall bowl is not a comfortable.

Anyway, perusing eBay, I have noticed the "author" shape to very popular today or at least most of that or similar shape always has a bid.

I may be mistaken, but I think for me most decent briar pipes will suffice, but not all shapes. Do you agree or differ.

 

[Chasing Embers]

All well drilled pipes smoke similarly, their shape doesn't affect their performance. That being said, ill never own a bulldog or rhodesian.

 

[tschiraldi]

I prefer straight Billiards. I only have pipes in 3 shapes. Not interested in others.

 

[gamzultovah]

Pencil shank and stacked, but that doesn’t stop me from buying other shapes. I have just about one of every shape in my collection and I’m waiting on the right Hungarian (Oom Paul) and Swan shapes to come along.

 

[tobefrank]

Lovats for me. I've got two (my collection of pipes is only small).

 

[Ethan]

I have a variety of pipes shapes, for looks I seem to like em short, and fat,lol. Bowl size for me has an effect on what I get from certain blends, usually with a new blend I will try several shapes, and sizes before finding the "sweet spot" that makes a perfect smoke for me. On almost all accounts I will go for thicker walls, and a good clencher.

 

[aurorasofautumn]

I regularly smoke 20-30 of my pipes and have no preference for a specific shape when smoking as long as the pipe is well-made.

Aesthetically speaking I really like a well made Canadian and slender billiards. I am not a great photographer but here are a couple of pics of some of my favorites.

This slender Upshall is my favorite VA flake pipe.

I also quite like my Charatan Special Canadian.

This Comoy's Blue Riband is not really slender but the saddle stem gives it a less bulky, classy look.

And lastly one of my newest acquisitions, a bent Barling's Make Ye Olde Wood Special T.V.F., whose shape and balance I also like a lot.


By the way, the paperweight is a phoenix and not an eagle .

 

[Old Welder]

I like freehand, and pick axe pipes .
Bent stem over straight .
I have a bunch of pipes in all shapes and sizes
This is some of my pipes
I have acquired more since the photo was taken

 

[Merton]

Short straight chubby billiards, less than 5" and stocky not dainty. Usally sandblast or rusticated.

 

[kcghost]

I prefer a 1/4 bent with a group 3 or 4 bowl and 5 to 5-and-a-half inches in length.

 

[NightShayde]

I am surprised that upon doing a search I didn't come across a thread which focused on shape preference related to pipe enjoyment and use. If I am not correct, please advise.

For whatever reason, I love the "author" shape. When I looked at old Kaywoodie catalogues from the '30's on, the "author" shape was pictured and listed, but not featured. I suspect it was not a popular shape.

Probably because of the way I like to hold a pipe in my palm, a rounded bowl is preferred. I will occasionally put two fingers over the opening. While I love my Freehand MM cob, it's rather tall bowl is not a comfortable.

Anyway, perusing eBay, I have noticed the "author" shape to very popular today or at least most of that or similar shape always has a bid.

I may be mistaken, but I think for me most decent briar pipes will suffice, but not all shapes. Do you agree or differ.

I prefer Dublins.. whether they be full bent or half bent... churchwardens are what have you. Tried many pipes shapes and Dublins were the clear winner for me.

 

[STP]

I’ve strayed, but always come back to the bodacious bent billiard. Bodacious optional...?

 

[mso489]

My preferred shape is apparently most of them. No blowfish or briar cutty ... yet. In terms of numbers, I guess billiard wins, with Dublin a close second.

 

[didimauw]

Turns out my favorite shape is a straight billiard.

 

[UncleRasta]

Aesthetically I like a stubby pipe but I haven't yet gotten to grips with getting the best smokes out of them. I'd have to say billiards and pots give me the best smoking experience right now, and generally, I prefer straight over bent. I am only18 or so months into pipe smoking though, and my tastes are still evolving.

 

[sablebrush52]

I regularly smoke 20-30 of my pipes and have no preference for a specific shape when smoking as long as the pipe is well-made.

Aesthetically speaking I really like a well made Canadian and slender billiards. I am not a great photographer but here are a couple of pics of some of my favorites.

This slender Upshall is my favorite VA flake pipe.
View attachment 71640
I also quite like my Charatan Special Canadian.
View attachment 71641
This Comoy's Blue Riband is not really slender but the saddle stem gives it a less bulky, classy look.
View attachment 71642
And lastly one of my newest acquisitions, a bent Barling's Make Ye Olde Wood Special T.V.F., whose shape and balance I also like a lot.
View attachment 71643

By the way, the paperweight is a phoenix and not an eagle .

The Barling acorn shape is a nice addition. They weren't regular production.

 

[sablebrush52]

I'm catholic when it comes to shapes, though not much of a fan of Lovats, Dublins, or Bulldogs. Though the outer bowl shape has little to no affect on the purely functional properties of a pipe, I do believe that the comfort a shape provides contributes to the enjoyment of the experience.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I have come to realize, the best like slender medium size billiards or Canadian shape,but also bulldogs for them practicality and rather a modest chamber size

 

[ashdigger]

I used to be very particular. Now I like pipes that have two holes.

 

[anotherbob]

honestly I like the classic shapes. Billiards and Brandies and Dublins generally prefer smooth to rusticated. I like seeing the grain. I guess I like a pipe that's nice looking but not too flashy.